Public Safety Informational Notice: Swatting Incident at SUNY-ESF – No Active Shooter
The Department of Public Safety at the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY-ESF) would like to inform the entire campus community about a current situation that has unfolded at our institution. Earlier today, SUNY-ESF responded to a reported emergency situation on campus. However, we would like to reassure all students, faculty, staff, and visitors that this was, in fact, a swatting call, and there is no active shooter or immediate danger on campus.
What is Swatting?
Swatting is a dangerous and irresponsible act where individuals deliberately make false reports to law enforcement, often claiming there is an active shooter or other severe emergency situation. These calls are intended to trigger a large-scale response from public safety agencies, creating fear and panic unnecessarily. In this case, the swatting call led to a heightened police presence on campus, but again, there is no threat to the safety of those on campus.
Current Status and Response:
At this time, law enforcement agencies have cleared the area, and there is no ongoing danger. The response to the false report involved a thorough search of the campus, and officers were dispatched promptly to ensure the safety of everyone present. Although the campus might still experience some increased police presence as a precaution, it is important to emphasize that the situation has been resolved, and the campus is now safe.
Communication and Ongoing Efforts:
We understand that receiving such alarming reports can be unsettling, and we want to thank everyone for their patience, cooperation, and understanding as we worked to resolve the situation. The safety and well-being of our campus community remain our top priority, and we are committed to ensuring that accurate, timely information is shared with everyone throughout this process.
The Department of Public Safety is continuing to work with local law enforcement to investigate the source of the swatting call and to take appropriate actions. We ask that if you hear any rumors or unverified information, please refrain from spreading it and instead refer to official channels for updates.
How You Can Stay Informed:
To remain informed about any updates or important information related to public safety, please stay connected to official communications from SUNY-ESF. We encourage you to follow the college’s social media pages and sign up for emergency alerts through the campus notification system. We will continue to provide updates as necessary.
Thank You for Your Understanding:
We know that these situations can be stressful, and we deeply appreciate the cooperation of the SUNY-ESF community during this time. The quick response and support from our local law enforcement, along with the professionalism displayed by all members of the campus, were instrumental in ensuring that the situation was resolved swiftly and without harm.
We want to reiterate that there is no active threat on campus, and students, faculty, and staff can resume normal activities. If you have any concerns or need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact the Department of Public Safety or your respective campus offices.
In Closing:
The SUNY-ESF campus is a place for learning, growth, and community, and incidents like this, though alarming, will not deter us from our commitment to keeping our environment safe and welcoming. Thank you for your understanding, and please continue to look out for one another as we move forward in a safe and supportive campus community.
Stay Safe. Stay Informed.